‘Dear Zachary’ (2008) Movie Review

Please. If you don’t read anymore of this review, just watch this film. 

‘Dear Zachary’ (full name ‘Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father’) is a documentary made by Kurt Kuenne basically celebrating the life of Doctor Andrew Bagby who was brutally murdered. We learn about who Andrew was as a person, as well as the legacy he leaves behind. 

First let me start off by saying that when you watch this movie (yes WHEN, not IF), make sure that you have tissues handy. The story of Andrew Bagby is tragic and touching. Especially when you get to know his lovely parents, David and Kate. I don’t want to give anything away, but you will absolutely love David and Kate at the end of this film. 

Another one of the reasons I love this film is because of how simple the Kurt Kuenne makes it. He has limited resources, but simply wants to make a movie in memorial of his best friend. The interviews of family and friends are all extremely genuine and the music is beautiful yet simple. You can tell that Kuenne loved his friend and wanted to do the best he can to make sure that his spirit lives on. 

There really is nothing that I can say about this film that I don’t love. It may not be the flashiest, but it is a haunting harrowing film. You will laugh, cry, and probably get irate when you hear about the way the case was mishandled. My favorite documentary of all time, and one of my favorite movies of all time. 

10/10